Giants, Steelers could make deal for $84 million WR named offseason trade candidate

The Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants were widely reported to be interested in adding a wide receiver at the trade deadline.

It was certainly understandable why both would have been, as the Steelers don't have an adequate No. 2 receiver behind DK Metcalf and the Giants simply don't have enough at the position after Malik Nabers' torn ACL.

In order to remedy their situations in 2026, the Steelers and Giants could make a play for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who was named an offseason trade candidate by Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon.

"There's just too much up in the air with Tyreek Hill, leaving Waddle as the most attractive veteran under contract beyond 2025," Gagnon stated. "He could arguably stay on as part of a rebuild/reload. However, he turns 27 this month and is on track to become very expensive beyond 2026."

Waddle was initially believed to be untouchable ahead of the trade deadline, but the team softened its stance in the wake of Miami parting ways with general manager Chris Grier. However, Waddle ended up staying put.

We know the Giants and Steelers had interest in Waddle, per reports, but both teams balked at the Dolphins' asking price, which was believed to be at least a first-round pick.

Perhaps the Dolphins will come down on their asking price if they decide to hit the reset button and begin a rebuild, which is very possible. But it remains to be seen what Miami will do.

If Waddle can be had for a reasonable price, the Steelers and Giants should pull the trigger on a trade for him.

Nothing is more important than Jaxson Dart's development and giving him an elite one-two punch of Waddle and Nabers in 2026 would greatly help.

Waddle would instantly solve the Steelers' need for a No. 2 wide receiver and could add some much-needed juice to a Pittsburgh offense that is just plain boring.

The price for Waddle might still be steep, but softening the blow is the fact that his $84.7 million contract runs through 2028, so he'll amount to a long-term solution.

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